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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7.00 P.M. OPEN SESSION
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TELECONFERENCE - ZOOM WEBINAR
MEETING ID: 883 0182 2002 / TOLL FREE (669) 444-9171
5:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
None
2 ROLL CALL
None
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
None
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
None
7:00 P.M. - OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call. - Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 28, 2026
6 ROLL CALL - Continued
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
P.J, Mellana, Director of Parks & Recreation
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Anna Garan, Director of Finance
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Analyst I
7 INVOCATION
Item No. 6
Council Member Wendi Morse offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development Jim DellaLonga led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY
None
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details regarding the 28th Annual Bellflower Car Show, co -hosted by the Bellflower Lions Foundation and the City of Bellflower, to be held on October 3, 2026, on Bellflower Boulevard.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details regarding the City of Bellflower's 2026 Photo Contest, open exclusively to Bellflower residents, with submissions due on October 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Council Member Morse provided details regarding the "Here We Glow Again" Family Dance Party for families with children in preschool through eighth grade, to be held on October 17, 2026, at Thompson Park.
Council Member Dunton provided details regarding the City of Bellflower's annual Halloween Home Decorating Contest, with nominations due October 11, 2026, and judging to be held the week of October 12, 2016.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-A
September 28, 2026 Page 3 of 9
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS —Continued
Council Member Koops provided details regarding the City of Bellflower's Movie on the Rooftop, featuring a free screening of Casper, to be held on October 16, 2026, at the Mayne Parking Structure in downtown Bellflower. 11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Giovanni D'Egidio, Owner, Hollywood Sports Park, 1) announced a fundraiser by Soroptimist International of Bellflower themed a murder mystery event to be held on October 3, 2026, at Hollywood Sports Park and invited the City Council to attend; and 2) shared plans to bring professional soccer trainers from France to train local youth in preparation for Olympic -related activities, as well as additional BMX training planned at the park.
Gil Torres, resident, expressed concern regarding a code enforcement notice he received related to landscaping in his front yard and stated that he was unaware of the City's landscaping regulations.
In response to comments provided by Gil Torres, Mayor Santa Ines requested he speak with Director of Public Safety McNerney regarding the matter.
Kelly Torres, resident, addressed the City Council regarding landscaping code enforcement notices affecting her neighborhood in the 9900 block of Potter Street, 1) stating that she and her husband (Gil Torres) just retired, made landscaping changes to beautify their property and conserve water, and they received notices from the City's Code Enforcement Division regarding violations of the municipal code; 2) requesting information about possible financial assistance to comply with the requirements; and 3) inquiring how Council Member Morse as the representative in her district could assist with the issue and noted that she also spoke with City Council Candidate Aaron Drake regarding the matter.
In response to comments provided by Kelly Torres, Mayor Santa Ines recommended residents check with the City before making landscaping changes to ensure compliance with City requirements.
Aaron Sykes, representing the Bellflower Moose Lodge, provided a flyer and invited the City Council to a dinner honoring Bellflower firefighters to be held on October 10, 2026, noting that Fire Stations 23 and 98 and the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce would be in attendance.
Szigmund Sykes, representing Hearty Hearth, a nonprofit organization in Bellflower, 1) announced that the organization distributes food on Wednesdays and Sundays to those in need; 2) encouraged local businesses to consider making donations to support its food distribution efforts; and 3) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, provided the contact number [(213) 948-9012].
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 28, 2026
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item No. 12-A
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 26-37 — A Resolution to record a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement for the property located at 17440-17450 Bellflower Boulevard (APN 7161-008-011).
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the item and requested that Item 12-A be continued to the next regular meeting; and 2) supplemental material was provided to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger clarified that he is requesting the public hearing be continued to October 12, 2026, due to a scheduling mishap and recommended opening the hearing to allow anyone present to provide testimony.
For the record, 1) Council Member Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 12-A as he has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property, and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:21 p.m.; and 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 12-A as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property, and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:21 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance wishing to present testimony, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to continue the public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 26-37 imposing a public nuisance abatement lien and special assessment on the property located 17440-17450 Bellflower Boulevard (APN 7161-008-011) to the October 12, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
AYES: Council Members — Sanchez, Koops, and Mayor Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Members — Morse, Dunton
For the record, Council Member Dunton and Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:23 p.m.
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report ("CAPER") and adopt Resolution No. 26-38 — A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report ("CAPER") to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD").
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-B
September 28, 2026 Page 5 of 9
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — Continued
City Manager Smoot introduced the item
Director of Economic Development DellaLonga and Consultant Ana LeNoue of Avant -Garde, Inc., 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines and with regard to what was achieved versus the goal, Director DellaLonga stated that it is possible that the Volunteer Center data is related to lower enrollment in the school district and confirmed that staff would look into that possibility.
At the request of Council Member Koops and with regard to funding for Code Enforcement costs, Director Dellalonga explained that the $165,000 allocated for code enforcement provides funding for Code Enforcement personnel in designated CDBG areas, noting that the City's HOME rehabilitation program could potentially provide assistance with code -related corrections, subject to eligibility, and confirmed that staff would look into that further.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance wishing to present testimony, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 26-38 including any public comments received..
AYES: Council Members — Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 28, 2026
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 15
For the record, 1) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself on Items 15-H (Oak Center) and 15-1 (RPOSD Adaptive Sports Initiative) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 2) Council Member Koops requested Item 15-J (Street Address Painting Project) be pulled for comment only; 3) Mayor Santa Ines requested Item 15-E (Amending the Operating Budget) be pulled for discussion only; and 4) Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez pulled Item 15-1 (RPOSD Adaptive Sports Initiative) for discussion only.
With regard to Item 15-J (Street Address Painting Project), Council Member Koops commended Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki for securing a favorable deal, noting the cost was approximately $6.50 per address.
With regard to Item 15-E (Amending the Operating Budget) and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Director of Finance Garan provided an overview of proposed budget adjustments, including 1) $99,000 in Prop A funds and $159,000 for the Building and Safety Fund (page 2); 2) $440,000 in additional spending and $335,000 in additional Building and Safety permit revenue and transfers (page 2); 3) $6.1 million in additional appropriations for capital projects on the following page, primarily for the Simms Park stormwater capture project and Sports Park; and 4) the additional appropriations are funded by corresponding revenues, fund balances, or grant funding and would not affect General Fund reserves.
Council Member Koops left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:50 p.m. for discussion of Item 15-1 (RPOSD Adaptive Sports Initiative).
With regard to Item 15-1 (RPOSD Adaptive Sports Initiative) and at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) explained that Los Angeles County and RPOSD are shifting $20 million in Measure A funding over three years to support adaptive recreation sports and have created six regional hubs, including the Gateway Cities hub; and 2) noted that the City's letter of interest would allow for the City to be considered for a regional coordination role funded by a full-time position, with no commitment to participate at this time.
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:54 p.m.
Noting the aforementioned recusals from Council Member Koops on Items 15-H and 15-I, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members — Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
September 28, 2026 Page 7 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 27-032, dated September 28, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 27-032.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Investments Report for the Month of August 2026.
Action: Received and filed the Investments Report, as amended.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 24, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the August 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 14, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
E Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-39 - A Resolution amending the Operating Budget to carry over and adjust various capital projects, activities, programs, and revenues; and authorizing the City Manaaer to implement this Resolution.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 26-39; and 2) Committed $1,701,400 of available General Fund balance for future property acquisitions, replacing the amount previously associated with the former Bank of the West property in the property acquisition reserve.
F Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1461 — An Ordinance adding Section 3.30.140 to the Bellflower Municipal Code delegating authority for subcontractor substitutions on public works contracts.
CEQA: The Ordinance is exempt from additional review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines") because, under CEQA Guidelines §§ 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5), it establishes internal governmental procedures for administering public works contracts and has no potential to cause a significant effect on the environment.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1461 adding § 3.30.140 to the Bellflower Municipal Code authorizing the City Manager or designee to approve or deny subcontractor substitutions, assignments and transfers on City public works contracts.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
September 28, 2026 Page 8 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 663.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Golden Star Technology, Inc. (GST), for Information Technology and Consulting Services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 663.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1159, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Human Services Association (HSA) for use of the Oak Center to operate an older adult congregate meal program.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1159, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I Consideration and possible action to receive and file the City of Bellflower's Letter of Interest to serve as the Gateway Cities Hub Lead for the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Adaptive Sports Initiative.
Action: Received and filed the City of Bellflower's Letter of Interest to serve as the Gateway Cities Hub Lead for the RPOSD Adaptive Sports Initiative.
J Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Timothy E. Major dba Curbrite Addressing Service for the Street Address Painting project, City Project No. 51704, authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1158, in a form approved by the City Attorney, and approve a budget amendment.
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1158 with Timothy E. Major dba Curbrite Addressing Service, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Approved the budget amendment as described in the Fiscal Impact section.
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Santa Ines, Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, and Council Member Koops made various comments and reports.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Sanchez, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a brief update on the Coke Street sidewalk project, noting that it is approximately one to two months from the bidding process, and confirmed that Public Works would include the northern and southern borders facing the horizontal streets, even if they are not included in the project; and 2) provided a brief update on the soccer fields at Simms Park, noted that the Stormwater Capture Project is awaiting electrical plans from Edison and a permit from County Flood Control, with the bidding process anticipated in October.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16
September 28, 2026 Page 9 of 9
16 COUNCIL REPORTS — Continued
At the request of Council Member Koops, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki provided an update on the Caruthers Park Stormwater Project, 1) stating that they are currently in the process of third -party troubleshooting of the stormwater treatment system, noting significant operational issues and ongoing efforts to make the system functional; and 2) explained that repairs and fine-tuning are funded through Measure W stormwater funds, no General Fund dollars are being used, and Caltrans originally funded the system.
For the record, Mayor Santa Ines 1) reported that he and Council Member Koops attended Senator Archuleta's legislative update and noted that Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana and City Manager Smoot were looking into Senator Archuleta's request for a meeting room as a weekly resource center for veterans; 2) without objection, requested the casual dress code for the City Council Meetings be extended through the end of October due to the continued, unusually warm weather; and 3) without objection, announced that the City Council would declare October 101h as L.A. Philharmonic Day in the City of Bellflower to commemorate their first performance in Bellflower at the City's William and Jane Bristol Auditorium on October 10, 2026.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m., to the next regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
.11 J.- 'a h
Maya hiqui, Cl y let26
Ap rov d: October 12,